Lock-down Day 287

Stupid load shedding! I woke up before four in the morning, feeling like a Vaalie in Durban! The ceiling fan is the only thing that keeps the humidity at bay - when I sit in the lounge for a smoke, by the end of it, I feel like I've been outside in the rain. Only my bedroom feels dry.

At first, I thought the ceiling fan had broken, because my audiobook was still playing. I was already planning to unpack my desk fan, and where to place it, when I realised the water fountain was quiet, as well! Yeah, I had read that load shedding would be implemented from ten to five during the night - but when you wake up at four in the morning, that information isn't at the top of your mind!

On the whole, though, I must say the electricity situation seems to be improving. I get the feeling, with the new CEO, Eishkom is finally getting a grip. They are collecting debts from municipalities, going after past corruption to recover monies stolen and they are finally doing some actual maintenance! That is, if the news are to be believed.

Speaking of news, there's another ban on the sale of cigarettes looming! Ole nappy head is appealing against the High Court's ruling, that the ban was unconstitutional. Apparently, there is still some money left from that 500 Billion we borrowed to fight COVID-19, and our government sees no better use for that, than to throw it away on trivialities! I don't even want to talk about the other activities they prioritise ... like ensuring people stay off the beaches! That's where our entire police and army is!

In case you're wondering why I don't seem to be processing tobacco anymore? Simply a matter of time! Since I've moved, I - once again - get real pleasure from my garden. So, the time I used to spend baking cookies and processing tobacco, I'm currently spending in the garden.

If tobacco gets banned again, I have enough stock to make myself all the cigarettes I'll need. I have filters, papers, and equipment, so I won't be struggling again, like I did the first time! Oh, and I also have tobacco leaves!

Even the weather makes a better topic for discussion! This morning, I saw we had about one mm rainfall - probably in the early hours, though I didn't hear anything. More rain is forecast this evening. I'm quite happy about that, even though it interferes with my evening gardening.

I didn't work on the bed last night, simply because I don't want to disturb Smeagol, when he's eating. And by the time he was done, it had started to drizzle. 

Oh, and while I was innocently watching my show last night, Mini decided to give my feet a taste-test! Paws around, hold tight, grab for a nibble! Why? No clue! Having her claw and bite my feet was NOT a way to impress me, ha ha! Especially when I had been brushing and cuddling her for ages before she settled down to nibble on my feet!

Work was pretty dull, and I was glad when the day was over.

At home, I didn't see Smeagol, but as soon as I opened the sliding door for my mippies to go out, I heard him! I filled his bowl, he - again - didn't finish everything. Clearly he likes my food, but he's no longer starving. Good! But after he's eaten, he keeps crying! Meow! Meow! On and on and on and I don't know what he wants! He won't let me near him, so even if he wants cuddles, he won't let me. So, really, it's just irritating ...

Well, I started in the bed next to the grill. Re-started, actually. Lots of teeny tiny green bits sprouting again. The ground was lovely and soft, so I could get most of the roots, even hairline roots out without any trouble! I found a couple of newly sprouting creepers, too - and got them all out, just as easily! I cleaned the cabbage plant ant the desert roses - pulled off the lower leaves, which were already wilting - as there are some three or four baby cabbages trying to grow, and they weren't getting any sun. I had to tear myself away, when it got a little dark - or I'd end up sitting there at midnight! Then I turned on the sprinkler, just in case. We had a total one mm rainfall since last night.

As expected, since I watered, as soon as I came inside, it started to rain! No harm in that, quite the contrary!

Now Mewthos is being as irritating as Smeagol! He's got two treats and he keeps on and on wanting a third one! I wouldn't mind - but the first two are still in their bowls! They haven't cleared their bowls, yet. Mr Greedy!

Anyway, more load shedding after ten tonight. Again until five tomorrow morning - maybe I get lucky, and I'm not on the schedule, again! I still don't know which Block I fall under, so I can't plan around any schedule ... 

Anyway, I'm showered, have shared my dinner - generously - with all four mippies, front door is locked, kitchen gate is locked ... I can relax ... Good night!